Going topless
Image: Draft Top
News has arrived that bars and restaurants now have a new tool available from Draft Top, the US brand that made it possible for people to remove the tops of their cans safely and seamlessly. The Draft Top Pro (DTP) is a commercial grade countertop innovation, that is an extension of the handheld tool the brand created almost a decade ago but launched in 2019.
The Draft Top Pro. Image: Draft Top
“We’ve seen such sensational feedback from consumers since the launch of our original handheld tool in 2019,” commented Armand Ferranti, president and co-founder of Draft Top. “We’re excited to bring that level of excitement, innovation and opportunity to the masses with the launch of Draft Top Pro. The tool offers venues, hotels, restaurants and bars throughout the world the opportunity to not only enhance the customer’s experience when drinking canned beverages, but level up their commitment towards a more sustainable world.”
To operate the DTP, users simply insert the can and lock the handle, pull the top lever down, and then remove the ‘topless’ can. To eject the can top, users must push the top lever back up and the DTP is ready for the next use.
According to Draft Top, some of the largest beverage and hospitality brands worldwide have already begun integrating Draft Top Pro into their ongoing marketing and consumer facing initiatives and events, including international brewer, Heineken. “We recently had the opportunity to incorporate the Draft Top Pro at our trade shows, which was an instant hit with our consumers,” commented Peter Camps, senior manager, quality & education, brewmaster – draught master at Heineken. “Consumers loved the fact that the tool allows you to drink a beer from a can, just like you would enjoy a draft beer in a pint glass. There’s also no longer the need to pour the can into a plastic cup, which, in turn, creates increased visibility for the product itself.”
Image: Draft Top
I – as I’m sure many can manufacturers would argue – don’t think the tops of cans necessarily need removing, but if it means eliminating the thought of even needing a plastic cup, then I’m on board with the DTP innovation. I also agree with Camps’ statement above about actually being able to see the product itself, which is an added bonus. The safety element for younger children also bears weight – even last weekend, my almost one-and-a-half-year-old niece (she’s become a thief recently) tried to drink from her grandfather’s can, which could have been dangerous had she been successful; it would have just meant a spillage rather than injury if the can top was off.
It’s brilliant to see business founders and creatives thinking outside of the conventional when it comes to cans. As long as those can tops are being recycled too, long live this invention.
- Alex Rivers (she/her), CanTech International editor
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